Patents Issued in March 22, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180079047
    Abstract: A cutting tool includes: a cutting part including a cutting edge having a linear shape; and a fitted part including a fixed section to which the cutting part is fixed, and a fitted part body to be fitted to a cutting device. The cutting edge is located perpendicularly to a virtual line passing through a central axis of the fitted part body, on a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the fitted part body. A center of the cutting edge in its longitudinal direction is located on the virtual line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180079048
    Abstract: During polishing of a substrate a first signal is received from a first in-situ monitoring system and a second signal is received from a second in-situ monitoring system. A clearance time at which a conductive layer is cleared and a top surface of an underlying dielectric layer of the substrate exposed and determine based on the first signal. An initial value of the second signal at the determined clearance time is determined. An offset is added to the initial value to generate a threshold value, and a polishing endpoint is triggered when the second signal crosses the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Shih-Haur Shen, Jianshe Tang, Jimin Zhang, David Maxwell Gage
  • Publication number: 20180079049
    Abstract: A specimen mover (100) for a grinding and/or polishing machine (120) is disclosed. The specimen mover (100) is configured for rotating one or more specimens (50) in abutment with a preparation surface (75) carried by the grinding and/or polishing machine (120) and the specimen mover (100) includes: a drive housing (20), a driveshaft (30) protruding from said drive housing (20), a thrust housing (10) disposed coaxially on said driveshaft (30) and including at least one thrust pad (12), and a specimen mover plate (15) disposed essentially coaxial with said thrust housing (10) and/or said driveshaft (30) The specimen mover is configured such that the thrust housing (10) is displaceable connected to the driveshaft (30) protruding from said drive housing (20) in a manner allowing the thrust housing (10) to move along, and relative to, the driveshaft (30) protruding from said drive housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Tomas DRASTICH
  • Publication number: 20180079050
    Abstract: The present invention is a polishing pad formed by foamed polyurethane, with a content of S phase in the foamed polyurethane, as determined by pulsed NMR measurement at 25° C., exceeding 70%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yohei MURAKAMI, Nobuyuki OSHIMA, Hiroyuki NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20180079051
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a tool spindle or mandrel that latches by pivotally extending a plurality of tensioned arms from a tensioned seated state to a tensioned locked state through rotation of a lock ring pivotally deploying the arms from their nested seated state into a blade engaging position of a larger radius than the radius of the lock ring with the arms in their nested position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Marjan Majcen, Beverly Majcen, Robert Vreznik
  • Publication number: 20180079052
    Abstract: A method of polishing includes polishing a layer of a substrate, monitoring the layer of the substrate with an in-situ monitoring system to generate signal that depends on a thickness of the layer, filtering the signal to generate a filtered signal, determining an adjusted threshold value from an original threshold value and a time delay value representative of time required for filtering the signal, and triggering a polishing endpoint when the filtered signal crosses the adjusted threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Kun Xu, Kevin Lin, Ingemar Carlsson, Shih-Haur Shen, Tzu-Yu Liu
  • Publication number: 20180079053
    Abstract: A grinding method, an OGS substrate and a manufacturing method of an OGS mother substrate are provided. The grinding method is used to grind the OGS substrate comprising a base substrate, wherein a shielding pattern is formed inside a periphery region of the base substrate, a reference mark is formed above the shielding pattern, the grinding method comprises: grinding an edge of the base substrate to form a chamfer; identifying edges of the reference mark and the base substrate; calculating a position distance between an outer edge of the reference mark and the edge of the base substrate corresponding thereto based on the identified edges of the reference mark and the base substrate; judging whether the position distance is smaller than a first distance; if it is judged that the position distance is smaller than the first distance, stopping grinding; otherwise, continuing to grind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Wenlong ZHU, Zuliang WANG, Binbin ZHANG, Wenjin FAN, Lei ZHANG, Qingpu WANG
  • Publication number: 20180079054
    Abstract: A tank assembly. Said tank assembly comprises a one or more blister assemblies, a shell assembly, a one or more air inlet hoses, a one or more spray equipment and a slurry mixture. Said one or more blister assemblies comprises a first blister assembly and a second blister assembly. Said one or more blister assemblies comprise a one or more draw tubes, a one or more cone flanges, a one or more head assemblies, a one or more shells, a one or more cone assemblies, an air line assembly, a one or more snorkel assemblies, and a separation distance. Said one or more draw tubes comprise a first draw tube and a second draw tube. Said separation distance between said one or more draw tubes is configured to allow said one or more spray equipment to rotate freely on said one or more draw tubes without interfering with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Benjamin LeCompte
  • Publication number: 20180079055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wrench, which is used for wrenching a workpiece and comprises a unidirectional transmission mechanism. The unidirectional transmission mechanism comprises rollers, a first member and a second member at least partially sheathed in the first member. The first member is fixedly provided at a wrenching portion of the wrench, and the second member is used for mating with the workpiece. The directions of the rotating torque from the wrenching portion are a first direction and a second direction along the axis of rotation of the first member. With regard to one of the rotating torque of the first direction and the rotating torque of the second direction, the second member is stationary relative to the first member so as to output the rotating torque to the workpiece; and with regard to the other one thereof, the second member rotates relative to the first member without outputting the rotating torque to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicants: Hangzhou Great Star Tools Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Publication number: 20180079056
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool is provided. The ratcheting tool includes a ratchet mechanism including a gear structure and a pawl structure. The pawl structure includes at least one elastic or integral component that provides spring action/biasing to the pawl teeth which facilitates ratcheting movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron S. Blumenthal, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20180079057
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a hole in which a driving member and a pawl are received. The pawl is engaged with toothed face of the hole of the head. The driving member has a protrusion. An operation rod extends through the driving member and connected with a positioning unit. A bead is movably received in the protrusion of the driving unit and cooperated with an operation rod. When pushing the positioning unit, the operation rod is moved and the bead is submerged in the protrusion to release or to connect with a socket to the protrusion. The pawl includes a slot that extends in the radial direction of the hole in the head. A control member is rotatably engaged with the hole and includes a stud inserted into the slot. A resilient member is located in the slot and biased between the stud and the inner end of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: YI-FU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180079058
    Abstract: A wrench for engaging a faucet wing nut attaching a faucet from an underside of a sink is disclosed. The wrench consists of an elongated member having opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides, a pair of first and second tabs projecting from the first end of the elongated member, the pair of tabs configured to engage flanges formed on the faucet nut. The elongated member has a semi-circular concave profile having a central axis, the concave surface configured to receive the hose and position it in coaxial alignment with the semi-circular concave profile of the elongated member, the pair of first and second tabs formed on the first and second sides of the elongated member, the tabs being parallel to the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Lance Humphries
  • Publication number: 20180079059
    Abstract: An apparatus to service the driveline of a vehicle is presented. The apparatus includes two members, a pivot element, and a bridge lock. The members each have an elongated handle segment and a jaw segment. The pivot element is configured to pivotally connect both members together near the jaw segments. The bridge lock is configured to be movably positioned along the handle segments. The jaw segments combine to define a profile which is adapted to secure to the splined coupling interface of a vehicle propeller shaft. The bridge lock is adapted to provide holding pressure to the handle segments, so as to lock the jaw segments when secured to the splined coupling interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Robert M. Horvatich
  • Publication number: 20180079060
    Abstract: A hammer for installing a gasket into a joint between two pipes, the hammer comprising two opposed substantially rectangular, non-square strike surfaces which are rotationally offset from one another by 90 degrees such that an appropriate substantially rectangular, non-square strike surface may be selected by the user and applied to a gasket by simply rotating the hammer in the user's hands without requiring the user to relocate around the gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: John Manning
  • Publication number: 20180079061
    Abstract: A locking terminal clamp cable assembly including a pair of locking pliers, an adapter screw threaded into the locking pliers and including a threaded bore, an adjuster screw threaded into the threaded bore and configured to adjust the locking pliers, a cable lug having a ring portion positioned between the adapter screw and a jam nut, and a cable connected to the cable lug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael J. Vertanen
  • Publication number: 20180079062
    Abstract: A striking tool disclosed herein includes a body having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The striking tool further includes a handle including a shank. The body is integral with the shank. The striking tool also includes an implement including a bracket. The bracket abuts a butt end of the body and the handle and overlaps a portion of the first lateral side of the body. The striking tool further includes a fastener extending from the first lateral side toward the second lateral side and through the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Joshua D. West
  • Publication number: 20180079063
    Abstract: A punch centering block device can include a first block and a second block. The first block can define a first reference surface and a first notch extending along a first axis. The first reference surface can lay flush on a workpiece. The first axis can be transverse to the first reference surface. The second block can define a second reference surface and a second notch extending along a centered second axis. The second reference surface can lay flush on the workpiece. The second axis can be transverse to the second reference surface. The first block and the second block can selectively abut one another and render the first axis and second axis collinear to receive a punch. The punch is slidable against the first notch and the second notch during the marking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: SALOMON VALENCIA ARBOLEDA
  • Publication number: 20180079064
    Abstract: An ice drill. The ice drill includes a power head, the power head configured to allow the user to control operation of the ice drill and an engine, the engine producing an output rotation at a crankshaft. The ice drill also includes a planetary transmission. The planetary transmission receives the output rotation from the crankshaft, changes the rotation speed by a specified ratio, and outputs the rotation at an output shaft, wherein the output rotation is left-handed in orientation. The ice drill further includes an auger, the auger attached to the output shaft and a cutting blade, the cutting blade configured to be moved by the auger to create a hole in ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Clifford Feldmann, Paul Babcock, Michael Seifert, Dennis Gohlke, Nathan Sloma
  • Publication number: 20180079065
    Abstract: Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for size and also the dimensions of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Robin Peng
  • Publication number: 20180079066
    Abstract: An ergonomic handle configuration has a larger diameter than known conventional handles. The handle is configured with a predetermined combination of convex and concave curvatures that combine in such a way as to mimic a curvature of a user's palm along an area of contact of the palm with the handle, as well as to mimic a curvature of a user's fingers when curled to grip the handle along an area of contact of the fingers with the handle, when a user grips the handle. In addition, implementations of the handle in combination with a container or implement can include a thumb rest that is specifically configured to engage a thumb of a user in a neutral posture thumb position when gripping the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Allen Arseneau, Diana Arseneau
  • Publication number: 20180079067
    Abstract: A coupling for an elongated handle and a tool head is disclosed. The coupling includes a plug member, a ferrule, and a pin member. The plug member further comprises an elongated passage formed therein receives a tool head shank of the tool head. The elongated passage is in communication with a pair of aligned plug member openings formed through the plug member. The ferrule includes a pair of aligned ferrule openings. When the plug member is partially received within the ferrule, the plug member openings align with the ferrule openings. The pin member extends through the aligned ferrule openings and the plug member openings and through an opening of the tool head shank when the tool head shank is mounted in the elongated passage. The ends of the pin member are bent at an angle to an axis extending through the elongated passage to secure the tool head shank to the plug member and ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Joshua O. MULLEN
  • Publication number: 20180079068
    Abstract: A coupling for an elongated handle and a tool head is disclosed. The coupling includes a plug member, a ferrule, and a pin member. The plug member further comprises an elongated passage formed therein receives a tool head shank of the tool head. The elongated passage is in communication with a pair of aligned plug member openings formed through the plug member. The ferrule includes a pair of aligned ferrule openings. When the plug member is partially received within the ferrule, the plug member openings align with the ferrule openings. The pin member extends through the aligned ferrule openings and the plug member openings and through an opening of the tool head shank when the tool head shank is mounted in the elongated passage. The ends of the pin member are bent at an angle to an axis extending through the elongated passage to secure the tool head shank to the plug member and ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Joshua O. MULLEN
  • Publication number: 20180079069
    Abstract: A combined tool storage container includes a first storage container and a locking device. The first storage container defines a first storage recess and includes a first clipping member. The first storage recess is adjacent to a first channel. The locking device is slidably connected to the first storage container and includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The first locking portion is inserted through the first channel. The first locking portion is movable between a locked position and a released position and selectively covers the first storage recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Publication number: 20180079070
    Abstract: A remotely controlled packable robot features a chassis with a top surface and a bottom surface, a pair of main tracks for maneuvering the chassis, and an open channel under the robot defined by the bottom surface of the chassis and the main tracks. A robot arm is foldable from a stored position in the open channel underneath the robot chassis to a deployed position extending upwards from the top surface of the chassis. A camera assembly may be foldable from a stowed position in the open channel underneath the robot chassis next to the robot arm to a deployed position extending upwards from the top surface of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David C. Meeker, Timothy J. Mason, Andrew Kirouac, Ryan Wasserman
  • Publication number: 20180079071
    Abstract: A pneumatic exomuscle system and methods for manufacturing and using same. The pneumatic exomuscle system includes a pneumatic module; a plurality of pneumatic actuators each operably coupled to the pneumatic module via at least one pneumatic line, a portion of the pneumatic actuators configured to be worn about respective body joints of a user; and a control module operably coupled to the pneumatic module, the control module configured to control the pneumatic module to selectively inflate portions of the pneumatic actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Saul Griffith, Pete Lynn, Della Shea, Kevin Albert, Tim Swift
  • Publication number: 20180079072
    Abstract: The device comprises a shaft 4, a notched mobile member—for example a wheel 1—and at least three arms 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 that together transmit movement between the shaft 4 and the mobile member. Each arm is hinged to two eccentric bearings 3, 3? that hold same parallel to said arm, regardless of the rotational angle of the shaft 4 with which they rotate synchronously. Each arm engages with the notches of the wheel 1 during at least a portion of the cyclic motion of same, by means of at least one tooth 7 of the arm, in such a way as to ensure mutual displacement. The bearings 3, 3? are arranged such that at least one of the arms engages with the mobile member, regardless of the rotational angle of the shaft 4. Said device can be used for producing low-clearance speed reducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Franck Olivier Loriot
  • Publication number: 20180079073
    Abstract: A remotely controlled packable robot features a chassis, right and left main tracks for maneuvering the chassis, and right and left tracked rotatable flipper arms for maneuvering the chassis. An integrated drive assembly is provided for each main track and flipper pair and includes a motor in a housing attached to the chassis for rotating the flipper and a stator and rotor disposed about the motor housing for driving the main track and the flipper track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David C. Meeker, Timothy J. Mason, Andrew Kirouac, Ryan Wasserman
  • Publication number: 20180079074
    Abstract: In one variation, a pulley arrangement includes a base pulley portion rotatable within a driving plane, an adjustable pulley portion coupled to the base pulley portion wherein the adjustable pulley portion is rotatable relative to the base pulley portion within the driving plane, and a driving member including an end coupled to the adjustable pulley portion wherein at least a portion of the driving member is wrapped at least partially around the adjustable pulley portion. In another variation, a pulley arrangement includes a base pulley portion rotatable around an axis, an adjustable pulley portion coupled to the base pulley portion and movable in a first direction parallel to the axis, and a sliding block engaged with the adjustable pulley portion, wherein the sliding block moves in a second direction different from the first direction, in response to compression of the adjustable pulley portion against the base pulley portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Roman DEVENGENZO, Matthew Reagan WILLIAMS, Stephen John MORFEY, Ricardo Alfonso LEÓN, Andrew METZGER, Karen Shakespear KOENIG, Vijay SOUNDARARAJAN
  • Publication number: 20180079075
    Abstract: A tendon-driven robotic gripper is disclosed for performing fingertip and enveloping grasps. One embodiment comprises two fingers, each with two links, and is actuated using a single active tendon. During unobstructed closing, the distal links remain parallel, creating exact fingertip grasps. Conversely, if the proximal links are stopped by contact with an object, the distal links start flexing, creating a stable enveloping grasp. The route of the active tendon and the parameters of the springs providing passive extension forces are optimized in order to achieve this behavior. An additional passive tendon is disclosed that may be used as a constraint preventing the gripper from entering undesirable parts of the joint workspace. A method for optimizing the dimensions of the links in order to achieve enveloping grasps of a large range of objects is disclosed and applied to a set of common household objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Willow Garage, Inc.
    Inventors: Matei Ciocarlie, Scott Stanford
  • Publication number: 20180079076
    Abstract: A machine learning device, which learns an operation program of a robot, includes a state observation unit which observes as a state variable at least one of a shaking of an arm of the robot and a length of an operation trajectory of the arm of the robot; a determination data obtaining unit which obtains as determination data a cycle time in which the robot performs processing; and a learning unit which learns the operation program of the robot based on an output of the state observation unit and an output of the determination data obtaining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Syuntarou TODA
  • Publication number: 20180079077
    Abstract: Based on the premise that a step-out will occur in a stepping motor, this invention provides a suitable countermeasure for when a step-out occurs. A robot device includes: a robot arm mechanism having a joint; a stepping motor that generates motive power that actuates the joint; a motor driver that drives the stepping motor; a trajectory calculating section that calculates a trajectory along which an attention point of the robot arm mechanism moves from a current position to a final target position; a command value outputting section that outputs a command value in accordance with the trajectory calculated by the trajectory calculating section to the motor driver; and a step-out detecting section that detects a step-out of the stepping motor. The robot device also includes a system control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Woo-Keun YOON
  • Publication number: 20180079078
    Abstract: A robot simulation device includes a robot-information acquiring unit that performs communication with control units of a plurality of robots included in a robot system and acquires hardware information and software information on the plurality of robots, a change determining unit that determines, on the basis of the acquired software information, whether an operation program is changed, and an evaluating unit that, when the change determining unit determines that the operation program is changed, performs a simulation of operations of the plurality of robots using the hardware information and the software information acquired by the robot-information acquiring unit and evaluates the operation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshiharu NAGATSUKA, Norio TAKEI
  • Publication number: 20180079079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile robot having running gear and at least one robot arm mounted on the running gear, a sensor system for sensing obstacles in the surroundings of the robot and a navigation unit for laying down a route along which the running gear can be moved while avoiding the obstacles, and a control unit for the robot arm which is adapted to lay down a permissible position for the robot arm by reference to the obstacles sensed and the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: BERND Gombert, Michael Ries, Leopold Bock-Krausen
  • Publication number: 20180079080
    Abstract: A part support apparatus for supporting a plurality of parts which form a product by being connected to each other includes a plurality of support robots arranged in a work space and supporting the plurality of parts, a control unit controlling the plurality of support robots, and a storage unit storing a form pattern of each support robot corresponding to a type of a product. Each of the plurality of support robots includes a support unit supporting a part, and a multiaxial robot to which the support unit is attached, and which changes the posture and position of the support unit. The control unit controls the posture and position of each support unit by the multiaxial robot based on the form pattern, such that the plurality of parts are arranged to be connectable to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru KOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180079081
    Abstract: A robot includes a camera for detecting image data in an area, a memory for storing an object location of objects, an input device for receiving user input, and a robot controller. The robot controller can determine that an object is a desired object to track based on user input or previously detected image data indicating that the desired object has been previously manipulated. The robot controller can also determine an identifier of the desired object based on at least one of a comparison of the image data to a database of objects and identifiers or an identifier received via the input device. The robot controller can also determine a current location of the desired object based on the image data and update the object location of the desired object to include the current location of the desired object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Tiffany Chen
  • Publication number: 20180079082
    Abstract: A robot hand device according to an embodiment includes extensible arms which can be extended and shortened, a drive motor, and at least one clutch. The extensible arms support an object to be carried and are capable of being extended and shortened. The drive motor extends and shortens the extensible arms. The at least one clutch are capable of transmitting power of the motor to at least one of the extensible arms selected among the extensible arms to extend and shorten the selected at least one of the extensible arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiromasa Takahashi, Noriyuki Ooba, Akira Ushijima, Emiko Ishida
  • Publication number: 20180079083
    Abstract: A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping to perform simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Neil S. DAVEY, Brendan Boyce MURPHY, Sonya R. DAVEY, Haris GODIL
  • Publication number: 20180079084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint actuator, and a joint structure of a leg-supporting robot using the joint actuator. The joint actuator can reduce or control mechanical friction which a user can feel during use thereof, and is designed so as to be able to be flexibly driven since selective engagement of a gear part is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: SG ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Seung WOO, Byeong-Hun NA, Kyoung-Chul KONG, Hyuck-Bae KIM
  • Publication number: 20180079085
    Abstract: A mapping method includes: acquiring first map information created in advance, including information about a surrounding area of a mobile robot; acquiring second map information including information about the surrounding area by a sensor of the mobile robot; receiving third map information including information about the surrounding area from an environmental sensor node; (i) in the third map information, if a place exists in which an amount of change over time is equal to or greater than a certain threshold value, removing information about the place in each of the first and the second map information corresponding to that place, or alternatively, increasing the variance of information about the place in each of the first and the second map information corresponding to that place; and (ii) creating map information using the first and the second map information subjected to the removal or the variance increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: YOHEI NAKATA, KAZUMA TAKEUCHI, MASAHIKO SAITO, NAOYUKI HARADA, SHUHEI MATSUI, KENSUKE WAKASUGI
  • Publication number: 20180079086
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif, Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Abdullah Arab
  • Publication number: 20180079087
    Abstract: A gripper assembly has a gripper having a gripping element with a gripping face to engage and retain a tire component through suction. The gripping face has a plurality of sections; each section has a vacuum channel and a valve placed between the vacuum channel of the respective section and a vacuum source. Each valve is individually operable to an open position and a closed position, wherein the gripping face in use has a suction area formed by the sections of which the respective valves are in the open position, wherein the suction area is adjustable by selectively operating the plurality of valves to open positions and closed positions wherein the gripper assembly further has a configuration tool which is arranged to control the respective valves to their open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Anthonius Maria Hendrina De Boer, Gerardus Johannes Catharina Van Laar
  • Publication number: 20180079088
    Abstract: A suction device includes a valve, a piezoelectric pump, and a housing. The valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm. A first ventilation hole, a second ventilation hole, and a third ventilation hole are formed in the valve casing. The diaphragm is fixed to the valve casing and forms a flow path in the valve casing. The second ventilation hole is opened under atmospheric pressure. The piezoelectric pump has a suction hole and a discharge hole. The discharge hole is in communication with the first ventilation hole. The housing has a cavity. A suction pad is attached to the cavity. The housing forms an enclosed space together with the valve and the piezoelectric pump. The enclosed space is a space that is in communication with the cavity, the suction hole, and the third ventilation hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Susumu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20180079089
    Abstract: A manipulator including: an end effector movable about a joint; a motor configured to generate force so as to move the end effector; a wire for transmitting the force from the motor to the end effector; a guide member connected between the end effector and motor. The guide member including: a guide tube comprising at least one lumen extended in a longitudinal direction, the lumen configured to guide the wire; and an outer sheath configured to cover the guide tube in a longitudinal direction and to move relative to the motor in the longitudinal direction, the outer sheath having a rigidity higher than the guide tube. The manipulator further including an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a position of the proximal end section of the outer sheath relative to the motor in the longitudinal direction of the guide tube so as to adjust a tensile-force generated on the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro YOSHII, Mitsuaki HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180079090
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a robotic arm comprising a first segment having a first plurality of links and a first plurality of actuated joint modules providing the robotic arm with at least five degrees of freedom, and a second segment having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the first segment, and comprising a second plurality of links and a second plurality of actuated joint modules providing the robotic arm with at least two degrees or freedom. The robotic surgical system further comprises an instrument driver coupled to the second segment and configured to hold a surgical instrument. The second arm segment is configured to move the surgical instrument within a generally spherical workspace, and the first arm segment is configured to move the location of the spherical workspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Karen Shakespear KOENIG, Pablo E. GARCIA KILROY
  • Publication number: 20180079091
    Abstract: A pair of scissors has two shears movably mounted to pivot about an axis, each of the shears having a blade (3) extended by a shank (4, 5). The first shank (4) is covered by a grip in the form of an elongate body that is provided with a lateral opening (8) and that is suitable for being inserted transversely between two fingers of a hand to a position where it bears against the crook where the two fingers meet. The second shank (5) is terminated by a half-ring forming a cradle (10) for receiving the thumb. The first shank (4) is a bent shank. The lateral opening (8) in the elastically deformable grip extends into the inside of the grip forming a sheath into which the first shank (4) can be inserted in adjustable manner by slidable movement. The end of the cradle (10) that is closer to the first shank (4) is bent towards the inside of the cradle to form an abutment (11) for retaining the thumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Julien GANDON
  • Publication number: 20180079092
    Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Yehuda BINDER
  • Publication number: 20180079093
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus in which a rotary cutter and a fixed blade are used to shear a user's hairs therebetween during a shaving process. Rotation of the rotary cutter is driven by an electric motor. In certain embodiments, the rotary cutter comprises a cutting tube that comprises a plurality of apertures that are defined by cutting edges which form a closed-geometry. In other embodiments, a lubricating element is coupled to the rotary cutter. In further embodiments, the apertures are arranged in a pattern to control the number and selection of apertures that are capable of being active to shear hairs at any one time. In even further embodiments, the fixed blade is integrally formed with the housing of the head; the housing is formed by a plurality of flat plate segments; the rotary cutter is formed by a plurality of stacked flat plate segments; and/or the fixed blade can reciprocate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Gil Perlberg, Beni Nachon, Shoham Zak, Gitay Kryger, Tsafrir Ben-Ari
  • Publication number: 20180079094
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blade unit for a safety razor, comprising: a blade housing comprising a plurality of blades having respective cutting edges lying in a shaving plane and being arranged to exert a cutting action when moved across a user's skin in a shaving direction; and a guard in front of the cutting edges and a cap to the rear of the cutting edges, the guard including an elongate lubricating strip, the cap including a non-flexible concave back portion supporting a convex lubricating pad, the convex lubricating pad having a convex skin-contacting surface and a rear edge curved in a single arc shape along its entirety. No separate frame is provided around an outer perimeter for fixing the convex lubricating pad, so that the convex lubricating pad rear edge meets flush with the non-flexible concave back portion, providing a smooth, lubricated rear edge of the blade unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael LESSMANN, Jens TREU, Kesen ZENG, Yvonne NEUMANN, Hiroyuki NAKASUKA, Ralf HAGENS, Philip DRESCHER
  • Publication number: 20180079095
    Abstract: A shaving device comprising a head assembly including a support member having at least one support member magnet and a blade cartridge having at least one face with at least one razor blade and configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis. The blade cartridge includes at least one blade cartridge magnet having a pole aligned with a pole of the support member magnet to generate a magnetic force that urges the blade cartridge about the pivot axis towards an initial starting position (ISP), wherein the blade cartridge is further configured to rotate about the pivot axis away from the ISP upon application of an external force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the support member magnet and the blade cartridge magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Ruairidh Robertson
  • Publication number: 20180079096
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the stacked body includes a plurality of stacked units and a first intermediate layer. Each of the stacked units includes a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of insulating layers. Each of the insulating layers is provided between the electrode layers. The first intermediate layer is provided between the stacked units. The first intermediate layer is made of a material different from the electrode layers and the insulating layers. The plurality of columnar portions includes a channel body extending in a stacking direction of the stacked body to pierce the stacked body, and a charge storage film provided between the channel body and the electrode layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Sasaki